Hip to be Square

We just returned from a great visit with my family in Denver. Once again the kids were great little travelers – on the plane, the many car rides and sleeping away from home. Ari has really turned a social corner and talked everyone’s ears off! Keira was still more reserved, but warmed up to anyone who read her a story.

Our first day was spent around the house thanks to the lovely case of food poisoning I came down with. The weather was perfect for the kids to run around outside on the playground and drive the yellow jeep. Keira is big enough to drive it herself now and we almost couldn’t peel her away!

The second day was definitely the highlight of our trip. I thought it’d be fun to show the kids Heritage Square – a place I had fond memories of and isn’t too overwhelming. They have a small amusement park area and Ari was big enough to ride a lot of the rides. Keira could ride a few, but had to be with an adult. They both were nervous at first, but after some prodding, they took right to it – especially Ari.

Ari’s favorites were the Tilt-A-Whirl and the Scrambler (the pictures didn’t come out very well on those, though). Keira was very upset she couldn’t ride on those.

At one point we took a break and all hopped on the train that circled the park.

Then it was time for a carousel ride.

(This was Keira’s face on every ride she rode. Silly girl!)

And then some lunch and ice cream. Ari looks like such a big boy here!

We still had some tickets left, so Ari, Daddy and Auntie rode a few more rides then headed off to the Alpine Slide!

Keira was asleep before we even left the park and Ari wasn’t far behind. They also slept great that night!

Our last full day was spent around the house again as my extended family came over for lunch and to visit (forgot to pull out my camera). A nice way to wind down after all the excitement of the day before.

We had a great time overall and Ari’s already counting down the days until he can go to “The Square” again! :)

Belly Bumps

One day after coming home from church, Keenan took off his shirt to cool off a bit. In order to be like his daddy, Ari followed suit. Keira didn't want to be left out so her shirt came off too. To top it off, they were all wearing plaid shorts - too cute!

Later that evening I had to leave for a meeting. When I came home, Keenan showed me the following video he had captured. Oh my silly family! :)

Multi-tasking Man

Keenan's getting pretty good at multi-tasking with the kids. Here his his snuggling with Ari while Keira pretends to paint his toenails. What a good Daddy! :)

California – Part 4 – Our Souvenir

We picked up a little something on our trip ;)  Of course, we won’t get to hold it until March 6th or so, but we’re still pretty excited!

I’m just over 9 weeks now and feeling pretty good.  I had my first doctor’s appointment today and all is well with the baby and my blood pressure so far.  Morning sickness has been in full swing for a few weeks, but I can usually manage it by eating something with protein every few hours.  The afternoons have been my worst time of day, but luckily it’s about the time Keenan gets home from work.

We tried to explain it to the kids today, but I’m sure it hasn’t sunk in yet.  Keira just plain doesn’t understand and Ari just said he doesn’t want another baby.  I’m sure they’ll come around as my tummy starts growing.  We’ve already moved them into bunk-beds in Ari’s room (we were hoping Keira’s nighttime antics would wear off sooner if we did).  It’s been ok so far, but still more adjusting to do.

It’s going to be extra-crazy around here come spring, but we wouldn’t have it any other way :)

Daddy's Dollhouse

Keira has really enjoyed the dollhouse she received for her birthday, but Keenan took it to a whole new level the other night. I was cleaning up after dinner and he was occupying the kids. As I finished up, I could overhear the conversation they were having and had to catch it on video. It turned out to be a golden opportunity! Please excuse the shaky camera work - I was trying to stifle my laughter.



Needless to say, Keira now prefers that one of us play dollhouse with her as opposed to playing on her own. Silly Daddy!

Wichita Wrap-Up

We just returned from a wonderful trip up to Wichita to visit Keenan's family. Unfortunately, I forgot to pack the camera battery charger and, lo and behold, the battery died the first day! That's what I get for packing without my list :)

The kids were amazing in the car - both ways. Within 30 minutes of getting on the road, they both fell asleep for over an hour - both ways! After that, they played quietly with their books, toys and Leapsters and not once asked to watch a DVD - both ways! They also did quite well sleeping away from home, which is not usually the case. It's definitely getting easier to travel with them these days.

We enjoyed some time at the pool, viewing Papa's paintings in a gallery, touring a petting zoo/farm and having a party for Keira. Ari and Charis even rode a pony on the farm! It was a fun time. (pictures courtesy of Papa)

Keira received her "dream kitchen" from Papa and Yia Yia and has been cooking for us every chance she gets since we got home. Once I get my head back on straight, I'll try to post some pictures of her and her new toy.

Definitely a successful and fun trip!